Metro Tech Overview of Program Metro Tech takes some new approaches to the shortage of information technology (IT) workers. Employers identify specific jobs before workers are trained for them, and have engaged vocational schools and other training providers in creative partnerships to expand the pool of qualified workers. These partnerships include developing accelerated curricula, providing equipment and materials, and offering paid internships. Metro Tech asks employers for the following: Specific and significant hiring commitments with customized curricula for worker training Participation in the selection of eligible training candidates Specific investment of private resources, including funding, training, and mentoring Workers who have been laid off may qualify to be retrained with Dislocated Worker funds. To qualify for technology training, applicants may be interviewed and assessed by both the Department of Employment Services and employers who have the job openings. Incumbent workers are individuals who are currently employed but need additional training. Publicly funded incumbent worker training represents only a small proportion of overall investments in incumbent worker training. Public funds are used for incumbent worker training only when private funds are unavailable, and are typically focused on non-managerial workers. New entrants to the workforce are individuals who have been away from the labor force for a period of time and require new skills relevant to today's economy, and young adults who have not obtained the necessary skills through their education. Many of the training strategies for incumbent workers and new entrants are developed as part of a holistic approach to employer-identified skill needs. Whenever possible, training provided to incumbent workers will be combined with other training to allow dislocated workers and new entrants to "back-fill" the vacancies created when incumbents move up the career ladder. Those who receive training to move up from entry-level jobs include former welfare recipients and others with limited education and work experience. In this manner, the benefits of these public investments are maximized, and the beneficiaries include individuals of diverse backgrounds and educational levels. Metro Tech Services Metro Tech staff work with employers to ensure that workers are offered the individualized assistance and training needed to successfully prepare them for employment in the IT industry. Job seekers get customized training and are prepared to assume responsible positions within the IT industry, while employers with labor shortages reap the benefits of qualified employees. This assistance includes: Screening Vocational assessment Career counseling Job development/job matching Customized training Transportation assistance Follow-up Role of Employers Metro Tech recognizes the vital role that employers play in preparing residents for successful employment in the IT industry. Unlike traditional training models, Metro Tech seeks active employer involvement throughout the process to ensure that participants are fully qualified. Employers : Identify job vacancies Commit to hiring successful graduates Identify required skill sets Assist in identifying suitable training candidates Approve the training curriculum Develop internship opportunities Job Training Metro Tech participants train for positions as: Help Desk Technicians Network Administrators Software/Hardware Analysts Computer Programmers Central Office Technicians Radio Frequency (RF) Cable Technicians Geographic Information System (GIS) Programmers Multimedia Service Technicians Technical Support Specialists See Overview for more information on job training. Eligibility Individuals eligible to participate in Metro Tech include: Workers who have been terminated or laid off Workers who have been notified of termination or layoff, and are unlikely to return to their previous industry/occupation Workers who have been unemployed for at least 10 weeks and have limited opportunities for reemployment in the same or a similar occupation Workers who have been terminated or have received a notice of termination of employment as a result of a permanent plant closure or any substantial layoff at a plant, facility, or enterprise Self-employed individuals who lack employment due to general economic conditions or natural disasters Incumbent workers New entrants to the labor force Contact Information For more information about the Metro Tech program please contact: Department of Employment Services 609 H Street, NE Room 427 Washington, DC 20002 (202) 698-3541 Naylor Road One-Stop Career Center 2626 Naylor Road, SE Washington, DC 20020 (202) 645-3535   Individuals who are interested in applying for training under this project, or employers who are interested in participating, may call 1-877-US2-JOBS, a toll-free number.